The Sword, Not of a Mighty Man… Not of a Mean Man

Isaiah 31

This chapter feels almost like a reprise or summary of the previous chapter in more succinct terms.

Verse 8 talks about the sword destroying the Assyrian, but Isaiah points out that it is not a mighty sword or a mean sword, but that it is nonetheless a sword that they will be fleeing from.

Isaiah is also getting more detailed here in referencing both Zion and Jerusalem as separate places.


If I am 100% honest with myself. The reason why Rachel and I and our family is here in Marshall is because this is where the Lord wanted us for this season. We are here because we trusted in the Lord, more than in the arm of flesh. We are not as the people described by Isaiah who put confidence in the powers of nations, we have put our confidence in the Lord.

(BT- Just as the garden requires time in preparation of the land before the seeds can be planted, so media production requires the preparation of a space for before projects can be worked on. Distribution requires the preparation of a space. )

What’s more, in the Lord we have a protection against the forces of this world. He is described as a lion against a multitude of shepherds. This lion will not be afraid, nor abased, but will fight for Zion. The Lord will also be as bird protecting the chicks of its nest. (See verses 4 & 5)


I thought I was done with this chapter, but as I am searching for a phrase that sums up the essence of these verses, and as the Spirit of the Lord is stronger with me this morning, reminding me of the reality of the true way things are. There is yet more for me to to make note of. Zion and Jerusalem are made mention of.

  • so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof. (vs. 4)
  • so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; (vs. 5)
  • his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. (vs. 9)

The Lord will fight for his people, not in the ways of the world, but after the manner of His Spirit will he fight. (See verse 8)

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